SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5001

BYSenate Committee on Economic Development & Labor (originally sponsored by Senators Conner and Lee)

Making changes relating to the Washington ambassador program.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1989; February 1, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5001 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Murray, Smitherman, Warnke, Williams.

Senate Staff:Steve Boruchowitz (786-7429)

                  February 20, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 20, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Washington ambassador program was established to identify persons in the private sector to act as representatives of the state.  Ambassadors provide information about Washington State to businesses and governments in other countries.  However, there is no formalized mechanism by which ambassadors can collect information and provide it to the Department of Trade and Economic Development, nor for the department to analyze and use the information.

SUMMARY:

A country profile information sheet shall be given to each ambassador.  Data collected include:  names of persons visited; economic and political conditions in-country; ambassador's recommendations to subsequent visitors; suggested products for export; and ideas for investment and tourism.  The department shall encourage other official and business travelers to use the form.  The department shall collect the sheets, consolidate and analyze the data, and disseminate the information to other ambassadors and official and business travelers.  Ambassadors are urged to complete and submit the sheet immediately upon their return.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Dennis Matsen, Department of Trade and Economic Development (pro)